À bien tôt!

Hi friends :) I'm off to France in a couple of days for a 2-week study abroad! So here begins a new series in the Taste and See journey.

As I sit here throwing things into my suitcase, hoping it all fits, I can’t help but marvel at this dream come true. It seemed like only yesterday I was sitting in French class, staring at the pictures in my textbook and wishing I could be there. To be honest, I had not expected to go to France this summer. It was only after my original plan of studying abroad in China fell through that I decided to use the opportunity to apply for the course in France. And here I am, about to embark on arguably the most exciting trip in my life. As a first time traveler to Europe, my excitement is mixed with nervousness about acclimating to the culture, as well as the thrill of traveling alone. Though I'll only be spending about two and a half days on my own in Paris before and after my course in Cluny, I see it as a sneak peek, a preview for sometime in the future when I'm less pressed for time, to come back and enjoy fully. In the meantime, I'll be adding to my list of baking inspirations :) As for the course itself, the Microbiology of Cheese and Wine, well, the name speaks for itself. Judging from the reactions I've gotten when I mention this, ranging from awe to playful jealousy, I'd say it's an experience I wouldn't want to miss for anything. So wish me luck, and hopefully I'll come back with a heightened sense of food, fashion, and all things French!

-M